Ascend

By Jeffery Martin Botzenhart

To deny the existence of love is an unwritten sin.

Alexi and Ekaterina find no rest from the relentless pursuit of a demon hellbent on exacting his vengeance upon them. Yet in the face of evil, eternal love is a powerful weapon, creating light where there is only darkness.

Igor continues to fight for not only the lovers, but also Alexi’s father, the Red Angel. Sent to Poland amidst the perils of the Second World War, he saves Yuri, only to be thrust again into a battle to save Alexi and Ekaterina.

From the scorching desert of 1920 Egypt to the bustling metropolis of 1952 San Francisco, and then on to 2016 North Carolina, the lovers finally come face-to-face with the demon. An unexpected complication, though, forces the demon to make a critical error in his insane thinking. As it rejects its own immortality, it fails to understand that love is eternal and invincible through the many ages of grace.

Reader Advisory: This book contains passion and thoughts of eternal love. Expose your heart to romance if you dare.

PUBLISHER NOTE: All characters depicted in this work of fiction are 18 years of age or older. Fantasy Romance. 46,000 words.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Luminosity Publishing LLP
• Release date: Apr 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005495961

Jeffery Martin Botzenhart

I was born on November 9, 1967 in Warren, Ohio and grew up in a country trailer park in Southington Ohio with my two brothers and parents.I currently live in Girard, Ohio with my wife and sons. After graduating from Chalker High School in 1986, I went on to attend Kent State University.Originally, I sought to pursue a degree in education, but changed degrees after a few years in school. After working my way through college for eight years, I graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations.Aside from writing, I also draw and paint. My other passion is soccer. I have proudly been a coach of a soccer team for autistic and special needs players.

Book preview

ASCEND

The Ages of Grace, Book Two

Jeffery Martin Botzenhart

To deny the existence of love is an unwritten sin.

Alexi and Ekaterina find no rest from the relentless pursuit of a demon hellbent on exacting his vengeance upon them. Yet in the face of evil, eternal love is a powerful weapon, creating light where there is only darkness.

Igor continues to fight for not only the lovers, but also Alexi’s father, the Red Angel. Sent to Poland amidst the perils of the Second World War, he saves Yuri, only to be thrust again into a battle to save Alexi and Ekaterina.

From the scorching desert of 1920 Egypt to the bustling metropolis of 1952 San Francisco, and then on to 2016 North Carolina, the lovers finally come face-to-face with the demon. An unexpected complication, though, forces the demon to make a critical error in his insane thinking. As it rejects its own immortality, it fails to understand that love is eternal and invincible through the many ages of grace.

Reader Advisory: This book contains passion and thoughts of eternal love. Expose your heart to romance if you dare.

PUBLISHER NOTE: All characters depicted in this work of fiction are 18 years of age or older.  Fantasy Romance. 46,000 words.

ASCEND

The Ages of Grace, Book Two

JEFFERY MARTIN BOTZENHART

LUMINOSITY PUBLISHING LLP

ASCEND

The Ages of Grace, Book Two

Copyright © APRIL 2022 JEFFERY MARTIN BOTZENHART

Cover Art based on the Allegory of Fortune (1896) painting by Luc-Olivier Merson.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

No part of this literary work may be reproduced in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

DEDICATION

If you, the reader, enjoyed the first book, Fall – The Ages of Grace, Book One, then I hope you will equally embrace this book as these beloved characters reach their romantic end. To ascend, at times one first must fall.

PRELUDE

Poland, 1942

Too stunned at first to utter even a single word, Igor swallowed deeply when he stared at the staggering height of the barbed-wire fences surrounding the desolate space he stood within. What blades of grass dared to still grow held no vibrancy of the color green. Close by were several rows of poorly constructed long, single-floor buildings. Billowing grey clouds shrouding the sun matched the color of all the structures, but one. A dingy red brick building, having a tall chimney appeared out of place from the others.

As he glanced down, he was horrified to notice the striped clothes he wore. The stiffness of the fabric felt harsh against his skin. The pant legs were too short, and the shirt proved a size too large. A cap covered his scalp.

What is this place? he whispered breathlessly.

It is called a concentration camp, he heard a woman’s response from behind him. With caution, he turned around slowly. There stood a woman. She wore the same uniform as him. His jaw dropped when he recognized her.

Nadia, he mumbled.

Yes, she spoke.

Where are we?

Poland.

And this place?

Angels are forbidden to speak its name, as it is profane.

Why are we here?

To find Yuri, she answered.

"He is here?"

Yes.

As well as Alexi and Ekaterina?

No, she confirmed. Both have been spared this nightmare.

Then . . . why is Yuri here?

Zander’s dark legions surrounded him when he attempted to hide in London’s Big Ben clock tower. He fought valiantly, striking down all but one. When he sought his escape, the lone remaining demon clawed into Yuri’s flesh and wounded him. Too weak to fight him off, the demon brought Yuri here with him to this hell, this place of pure evil.

Is the demon still here? Igor asked. He searched around for anyone who might be watching.

It was injured as well. Like a parasite, it found a host, a young German soldier. There is an infirmary on the far side of the camp where it lay in agony. To Yuri’s fortune, the evil and death surrounding us keep him hidden from the demon.

I would not call this place fortune, Igor remarked as his heart sank. He noticed guards standing vigilant at the top of a watchtower and asked, Do they not understand what they are doing?

The evil shrouding the Europe of this time blinds many to what is right and just.

I wish to not linger here long. Where is Yuri? How do we save him?

He is in one of those barracks, Nadia said, motioning with her hand. She reached out her other hand. In its palm lay a shimmering white feather. This is how you will save him.

"Me? Igor uttered in shock. I am no angel. How could I save him?"

You are a guardian, she reminded him. Angelic blood flows within you. That is how you will find him. As you draw near to him, you will sense his presence. When you find him, press this white feather to his wound, close your eyes, and silently speak the Lord’s prayer. The wound will heal, although he will remain weak for the time being.

Why can you not save him yourself? Igor wondered.

I am bound to another task here, one I cannot refuse. I must lead souls into the light. That is my calling. Igor, there is something else.

What?

For both of you to escape this place, Yuri must die in the same manner as he did when he first died many years ago.

Deeper dread enveloped him when he heard this.

I am . . . to save him . . . and then . . . watch him die? he stammered.

Yes.

How?

Years ago, before ascending to Heaven, Yuri burned to death in a fire while saving children from a burning building. He saved twelve but could not save himself. For his unflinching act of valor and compassion, he ascended to Heaven through fire as a red archangel.

Startled when hearing an ear-splitting horn, he covered his ears though still heard her speak.

Find him! Time is running out!

Blinded by a flash of light, Igor found himself standing alone. Nadia had disappeared. He took a few deep breaths and turned. He rushed toward the rows of buildings, though he stumbled over uneven ground. Thinking his task impossible in finding Yuri, as he approached the first building a strange sensation urged him on. It felt as if an invisible hand pressed against his back to push him forward. When he came to the next row of buildings, a jab at his left side convinced him to turn in that direction. As he neared the third building, Igor stopped dead in his tracks, unable to take another step forward. He knew this was the barracks he was meant to find. Crows perched on the roof mocked him, to further confirm that Yuri was inside.

As Igor walked through the doorway, the pungent stench of feces held little care to him. What struck terror in him were the many emaciated men crowded within the structure. All were either slumped down on the floor or laying side by side on bunk beds. No one spoke, yet their eyes conveyed their personal horrors. Careful not to step on anyone, Igor passed through the men until compelled to find a dark corner. There, a man sat with his head dropped down to his chest. Without seeing his face, Igor knew it was Yuri.

Huddled near Yuri were several young boys. Although none of the men appeared to notice Igor, the boys watched him in desperation. Their eyes appeared glassy and lifeless, their cheeks sunken and their bodies malnourished. One small boy, though, managed to smile, becoming a beacon of light amidst the darkness. His heart broke further as he knew that he could not save them also.

Igor knelt before him and tilted Yuri’s head back. Still alive, though unconscious, Igor saw red blood stains covering the fabric on Yuri’s shirt. Unfastening the buttons, he peeled back the fabric to reveal a deep gash across Yuri’s chest. He remembered what Nadia had said. Igor placed the shimmering white feather over the wound, closed his eyes, and silently spoke the Lord’s prayer. A tingling sensation was felt at his fingertips, as if his fingers had fallen asleep. As he opened his eyes, his spirit ascended upon seeing Yuri look at him.

What are you doing here? Yuri asked, his whisper faint.

I was brought to this dreadful place to save you, Igor responded.

I felt Nadia’s soft touch, Yuri remarked as he released a sigh of relief. Igor was stunned to not only see that the feather had vanished, but Yuri’s wound was almost healed. All that remained was a slender scar crossing his left pectoral muscle.

She was here, in this place, Igor offered. It was by her grace that I was able to heal you.

Where is she now?

She is bound to her task, Igor answered. She must lead the lost souls into the light. Yuri, my friend, do you know what must come next?

Before Yuri could answer, German guards stormed into the barracks. They barked their orders harshly for all the men to step outside. Those who failed to move quickly were dragged out. Several who did not move were already dead.

Igor struggled to hoist Yuri to his feet. Though they walked slowly, they managed to avoid the wrath of the guards. They fell into line behind the other men and marched toward the red brick building. A few men whispered what they had overheard the guards saying, believing they were being offered showers. Igor knew this to be a lie.

Staying close to them were the young boys; one boldly reached out and touched Igor’s shirt.

Do not shun them, Yuri insisted. Children are drawn to angels, for their hearts are purest.

I will not, Igor responded. Come, my dear boys, he urged. Each crowded nearer to cling to his and Yuri’s shirts. They are flowers, having just bloomed, he remarked. Yet their moment in the sun is too short.

Each will find a long life in another time, Yuri revealed. Have faith, my friend.

Always. Would you think of me as a coward if I confessed my fear? Igor asked.

"Would you think me a coward if I confessed the same?" Yuri said.

I would never think of you as a coward, my friend.

Nor would I think of you that way.

As they drew closer to the building, Igor panicked, his breathing labored. Yet as his courage faltered, he gained strength from Yuri, who gripped his hand tighter.

Will it hurt? Igor asked.

Not for us.

What about them?

It will be over quickly. They will then see Nadia.

What will we see?

I will see only darkness for a time. Very soon you will see Alexi and Ekaterina.

I will not fail you, Igor offered, summoning his courage.

You never will, Yuri responded.

PART ONE

Mirage

CHAPTER ONE

Egypt, 1920

Exhilaration replaced fear as Naomi piloted the stolen airplane away from Cairo. Having flown solo only once before, with each passing minute she gained confidence as she kept a firm grip on the throttle. Euphoria like she had not felt in many years swept over her in the realization that her escape could succeed this time.

She guessed the soldiers at the airfield had already discovered the airplane missing. A relentless search would be ordered by the commanding officer. She hoped the false clues she had left behind would lead them in the wrong direction. She had learned from her past mistakes. There were other less obvious directions to escape. She hoped she had chosen the most unlikely.

Wedged next to her on her seat was a satchel containing a change of clothes, all the money she could gather, and some jewelry she hoped to sell later. Everything else she valued dear to her, family photographs and heirlooms, were left behind as her price for freedom.

The dark veil of night still clinging to the western sky began to diminish as lighter shades of blue, pink, and pale orange corrupted its presence. This was the moment of the day Naomi appreciated most. At the first traces of morning light, the sky appeared as if the canvas of an artist exploring a mixed array of colors. Each morning a newly painted sky would grace the world, more brilliant than the last.

Awed by the enormity of a cluster of pyramids and the regal sphinx watching guard, as she flew away from Giza the endless enormity of the desert displayed its vastness. Warned many times of its deceptive beauty, the expansive vista left her spellbound. She spotted a few Bedouin caravans heading in the direction of the city. Thankfully, to her relief, she saw no British soldiers nearby.

As she glanced further across the barren desert landscape, Naomi watched how the wind sculpted the crests of the massive dunes. The sand shifted fluidly as if rolling waves on a dry sea. The further she flew from civilization, she wondered if feelings of loneliness would overcome her. Yet, alone proved the opposite of what she felt. Though she saw no more people, the desert felt alive and breathing to her, a silent companion for her escape.

Overhead a few faint wisps of clouds faded away amidst the endless blue sky. Careful not to be blinded by the bright sunlight from the east, she focused her eyes to the south. Within a few hours, she would be well on her way to freedom.

As she held firm to the throttle, she noticed resistance as the airplane encountered strong gusts and updrafts. Slender vortexes of sand scoured the desert, veiling some